Cell culture kit, screening method, and method of manufacturing cell culture kit

ABSTRACT

To provide a cell culture kit including cultured living cells of various donors, and a manufacturing method thereof. The cell culture kit includes a culture plate and living cells cultured thereon. The culture plate includes a plurality of microchambers ( 33 ) and living cells derived from various donors are adhered to surfaces of the plurality of microchambers ( 33 ). Specifically, living cells D 1 , D 2 , and D 3  derived from various donors are adhered to the plurality of microchambers ( 33 ). In each microchamber ( 33 ), living cells derived from one donor or living cells derived from various donors may be cultured. The living cells derived from various donors are adhered and cultured in the cell culture kit as a whole, which makes it possible to provide a cell culture kit to conduct a test using cells derived from various donors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cell culture kit in which livingcells are cultured, a screening method, and a manufacturing methodthereof.

BACKGROUND ART

A technique of using cells isolated from a tissue in testing orexamination is an essential method in the biotechnology-related fields.It is widely used in diagnosing a disease or pathological condition,searching for a new drug and evaluating the efficacy of a drug, or inanimal inspection, plant inspection, testing for environmentalpollutants, and so on. Thus, cells and the like used in thebiotechnology field have been greatly diversified.

The isolated cells are sometimes used immediately for testing, but inmany cases, the cells are cultured in a culture dish or a test tube.Various examinations are carried out using the cultured cells. Celllines in culture for use in cell culture tests are required to show drugsusceptibility and toxic reaction that are similar to those obtained ina test performed in a living body, that is, a so-called in vivo test. Inshort, it is necessary to be able to construct an intercellular networkregularly arranged on the surface of a cell culture chamber. Further,the cell lines in culture for use in cell culture tests are extremelyexpensive, so an improvement in survival rate and proliferation rate ofcells is desired. In other words, an in vivo-like cell function isrequired in a cell culture chamber. Furthermore, an isolation operationto obtain primary cells is complicated, and the cell lines in culturefor use in cell culture tests are expensive, so a test method using asmall number of cells is desired.

Recently, discontinuation of development in the clinical testing phasehas been an issue. This is due to an animal species difference in thepharmacokinetics study phase. Heretofore, in pharmacokinetics studies inthe preclinical phase, drug disposition has been predicted by using ananimal such as a rat, a dog or a monkey. However, it has become evidentthat the prediction is virtually invalid in a clinical testing using ahuman. Therefore, in the prediction of pharmacokinetics or the like forhumans, using a human sample is the most effective and convenient way,and it is important for conducting efficient drug development and safeclinical testing.

In the pharmacokinetics study that examines drug disposition,absorption, metabolism and excretion in the liver are mainly examined,and a human sample to be used is liver slices, liver cells, livermicrosomes or the like. Among those, the liver slices are not easilyobtainable, and the liver microsomes can be used only for a metabolismtest with limited metabolic enzymes. Thus, use of the liver cells isconsidered to be the most effective.

In screening, a culture dish to be used is a petri dish made of resin ora 6-well, 12-well, 48-well or 96-well plate. In general, the size of theentire plate is substantially the same, and as the number of wellsincreases, the size of one well decreases. A single well corresponds toa single culture dish. With the recent trend toward miniaturization, a384-well plate having a number of culture dishes with a small diameterhas also come to be used. Therefore, culture dishes which are suitablefor an intended screening method come to be used. Bottoms of theseculture dishes have a flat plate shape, and each of the bottom surfacesis used as a culture surface.

However, if a hitherto-used culture dish is used for culture of tissuecells, there are cases where the original function disappears anddedifferentiation occurs and where undifferentiated cells do notdifferentiate, which raises an issue that a target cell function is notexpressed. For example, if fresh human liver cells are cultured on anormal flat plate, the function of metabolic enzymes when isolated issignificantly lowered in one day or so, and therefore a drug metabolismtest is conducted in four hours from seeding the cells onto the plate insome cases. There is thus a problem that it is impossible to make usefor a test with long-hours culture and a problem that it is impossibleto investigate long-hours metabolic stability.

To overcome the above problems, an attempt to coat a surface of aculture chamber with a biological material (glycoprotein, protein etc.)of human or animal origin (see Patent Literature 1), and an attempt toculture in polymer gel (see Patent Literature 2) have been made.

However, in the method disclosed in Patent Literature 1, there areproblems such that the biological material as coating is special andhigh cost, it is difficult to form a uniform cell aggregate in a culturechamber, and the in vivo function cannot be maintained over a longperiod of time. In the method disclosed in Patent Literature 2 also,there are problems such that the size of a cell aggregate cannot becontrolled, microscopic observation is not easy, and operability iscomplicated as a screening substrate. Further, because a commerciallyavailable dish or plate is used as a supporting chamber in both of theabove methods, efficient screening with the minimum number of cellsrequired is difficult.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application    Publication No. 8-319317-   Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

As described above, for efficient drug development and safe clinicaltesting, many tests using human liver cells, nervous system, anintestinal epithelial system, and the like have been conducted in termsof drug toxicity, metabolism, and drug efficacy. In many cases, celllines and primary cultured cells are used in these tests. In the case ofcell lines, there is a problem that in vivo functions are not reflected.On the other hand, primary cultured cells can reflect in vivo functions,but the individual difference becomes a problem. To overcome the problemof individual difference, it has been studied to use living cellsincluding floating cells which include liver cells from various donors,and to obtain averaged data. However, there is a problem that thelife-span of floating cells is short, which makes it impossible to usethe floating cells for a test over a long period of time.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentionedproblems, and therefore has an object to provide a cell culture kit inwhich living cells from various donors are cultured, a screening method,and a manufacturing method thereof.

Solution to Problem

An aspect of a cell culture kit according to the present invention is acell culture kit including a cell culture plate and living cellscultured thereon. The cell culture plate includes a plurality of microspaces, and living cells derived from various donors are adhered tosurfaces of the plurality of micro spaces. This makes it possible toprovide a kit for screening in which living cells derived from variousdonors are adhered to a single cell culture plate.

The living cells derived from various donors may include two or moretypes of cells. This makes it possible to reproduce a tissue-likestructure formed by various types of living cells.

Specifically, the living cells derived from various donors or livingcells derived from a single donor are adhered to each of the pluralityof micro spaces.

For example, living cells derived from various donors are adhered to atleast two adjacent micro spaces. Alternatively, living cells derivedfrom a single donor are adhered to at least two adjacent micro spaces.

Further, it is preferred that the plurality of micro spaces havedimensions to allow a cell population of a three-dimensional structureto be isolated, the cell population being obtained by culture of adesired number of cells.

It is preferred that the living cells be seeded in the plurality ofmicro spaces at a cell seeding density of 1×10² to 1×10⁶ cells/cm², morepreferably at a cell seeding density of 1×10⁴ to 1×10⁶ cells/cm². It ispreferred that a cell mass having the living cells accumulated thereinbe formed in each of the plurality of micro spaces, more specifically,it is preferred that the cell mass have a diameter of 30 to 200 μm.

It is preferred that the living cells be one of tissue precursor cells,tissue stem cells, cells differentiated from ES cells, and cellsdifferentiated from iPS cells.

Alternatively, it is preferred that the living cells include livercells. It is more preferred that the liver cells be one of tissueprecursor cells, tissue stem cells, cells differentiated from ES cells,and cells differentiated from iPS cells, and that the living cellincluding the liver cells be isolated from hepatic tissues of variousdonors.

Further, an aspect of a screening method according to the presentinvention is a screening method for evaluating drugs by usingabove-described cell culture kit.

Furthermore, an aspect of a method of manufacturing a cell culture kitaccording to the present invention is a method of manufacturing a cellculture kit which includes a culture plate including a plurality ofmicro spaces and living cells cultured thereon. The method ofmanufacturing a cell culture kit includes: seeing living cells derivedfrom various donors in the plurality of micro spaces; and culturing theseeded living cells.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cellculture kit in which living cells of various donors are cultured, ascreening method, and a method of manufacturing a cell culture kit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plane view showing a structure of a cell culture chamberaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II showing thestructure of the cell culture chamber according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a plane view showing another structure of a cell culturechamber according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV showing anotherstructure of the cell culture chamber according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plane view showing still another structure of a cell culturechamber according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI showing stillanother structure of the cell culture chamber according to anembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an exemplary cell culture kit in which aplurality of cell culture chambers are arranged;

FIG. 8 is a view showing an exemplary state in which living cells arecultured in a plurality of microchambers;

FIG. 9 is a view showing another exemplary state in which living cellsare cultured in a plurality of microchambers;

FIG. 10 is a view showing still another exemplary state in which livingcells are cultured in a plurality of microchambers;

FIG. 11A is a photograph showing a result of morphology observation onthe 1st day of culture of an example;

FIG. 11B is a photograph showing a result of morphology observation onthe 4th day of culture of the example;

FIG. 11C is a photograph showing a result of morphology observation onthe 7th day of culture of the example;

FIG. 11D is a photograph showing a result of morphology observation onthe 14th day of culture of the example;

FIG. 11E is a photograph showing a result of morphology observation onthe 21st day of culture of the example;

FIG. 11F is a photograph showing a result of morphology observation onthe 35th day of culture of the example;

FIG. 12 is a photograph showing a result of morphology observation onthe 14th day of culture of a comparative example;

FIG. 13 is a photograph showing measurement results of primarydrug-metabolizing enzyme and albumin secretory capability of an example;

FIG. 14 is a photograph showing an immunostaining result (culture for 28days) of an example; and

FIG. 15 is a photograph showing an immunostaining result (culture for 30days) of a comparative example.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A cell culture kit according to the present invention includes a cellculture plate and living cells cultured thereon, and uses a plurality ofmicrochambers which are included in the culture plate. Living cellsderived from various donors are adhered to surfaces of the plurality ofmicrochambers. Since the living cells are cultured so as to maintaincell functions, it is necessary to use suitable microchambers, which areunits for culturing the living cells. Examples of the cell culturechamber to be used for the cell culture kit according to the presentinvention are given below.

A cell culture chamber has a concave-convex pattern, i.e., a pluralityof microchambers formed therein. This permits cells to grow in threedimensions, like in a living body, and also permits cells to be culturedin aggregated form with no variation in each microchamber. The height ofside walls (convex portions) for partitioning the microchambers isoptimized, thereby making it possible to culture aggregated living cells(for example, a mass of liver cells) exclusively within themicrochambers. Note that the term “micro space” refers to a space formedby a microchamber, more specifically to a space formed by aconcave-convex pattern formed on a plane surface. Hereinafter, themicrochamber and the micro space are not particularly distinguished fromeach other.

The dimensions of the microchambers each surrounded by the side wallshave to be set within the optimum range for culturing cells. If thebottom area of each microchamber is too large, cells are thinlyelongated and fail to show a three-dimensional structure, as in theculture on a flat plate. If, on the other hand, the bottom area of eachmicrochamber is too small, it cannot accommodate cells. Accordingly, thedimensions of the space structure are preferably in a range capable ofcontaining one or a plurality of cells according to cell species to becultured. In the case of forming the mass of liver cells in which aplurality of cells is accumulated, the dimensions are preferably in arange capable of containing the mass of liver cells.

The height of each side wall has to be set within the optimum range forpreventing the cells cultured in the microchambers from moving to theadjacent microchambers. If the height of each side wall is too low, thecells run on the side wall, and thus such side wall is unsuitable forculture. If the height of each side wall is too high, the productionthereof is difficult and material diffusion becomes difficult, leadingto a deterioration of the culture environment. Therefore, the height ofeach side wall is preferably in the range capable of continuously andstably culturing cells, which are arranged in the microchambersaccording to cell species, within the microchambers.

In addition, openings are formed in the side walls to obtain a structurein which the plurality of microchambers communicates with each other,thereby making it possible to supply oxygen and nutrients to cells andremove waste products from the cells effectively. Note that the heightof the side walls, the dimensions of the microchambers, and the width ofthe openings are appropriately set according to cell species to becultured, thereby enabling application to various culture systems.

In this specification, the term “living cells” refers to cells (primarycultured cells) which are isolated from a living body tissue and whichare not passaged. The living cells include fresh cells and frozen cells.The living cells also include cell lines, other ES cells (Embryonic Stemcells), and so on.

As the living cells, one or more types of cells are preferably selectedfrom among liver cells (parenchymal liver cells), hepatic stellatecells, fat cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, smoothmuscle cells, cartilage cells, bone cells, nerve cells, glia cells,Schwann cells, beta cells of pancreas, epidermal cells, vascularendothelial cells, fibroblast, and mesenchymal cells. These cell speciesmay be primary cultured cells, tissue precursor cells, tissue stemcells, cells differentiated from ES cells, or cells differentiated fromiPS cells.

Embodiment

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention is described.However, the present invention is not limited to the followingembodiment. Further, to clarify the explanation, the followingdescription and the drawings are appropriately simplified.

First, a cell culture chamber for use in a cell culture kit according toan embodiment will be described, and subsequently, an exemplarystructure of the cell culture kit will be described. To begin with, anexemplary structure of the cell culture chamber will be described withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a plane view showing the structureof the cell culture chamber according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 isa cross-sectional view along the line II-II in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG.1, a cell culture chamber 10 includes microchambers 11, side walls 12,and openings 13. The plurality of side walls 12 is formed in a net shapeon the culture surface of the cell culture chamber 10, and spacessurrounded by the side walls 12 serve as the microchambers 11.Additionally, each of the openings 13 is formed at a central portion ofeach side of the side walls 12 which are formed on four sides of each ofthe microchambers 11.

FIG. 1 shows a width “a” of the bottom of each of the microchambers 11,a width “b” and a height “c” of each of the side walls 12 forpartitioning the microchambers 11, and a width “d” of each of theopenings 13 for allowing communication between the microchambers 11adjacent to each other. The term “bottom area” of the present inventionrefers to a projected area which is formed when parallel light isirradiated to the bottom of the chamber from above in the directionperpendicular to the horizontal plane of the microchamber opening (thesame plane as the top surfaces of the side walls 12). For example, ifthe bottom of the microchamber is U-shaped, the bottom area has a shapeformed by projecting parallel light incident on the bottom from above inthe direction perpendicular to the opening plane. In the case of acircle or an ellipse, a major axis of a projected bottom is a distancebetween intersections of a long axis which runs through the center ofgravity thereof and the circumference, and a minor axis of the projectedbottom is a distance between intersections of a short axis which runsthrough the center of gravity thereof and the circumference. In the caseof a polygon, the major axis and the minor axis of the projected bottomrespectively correspond to a long axis and a short axis of anextrapolated circle or an extrapolated ellipse which is set so as tominimize the difference between areas of the polygon and theextrapolated circle or the extrapolated ellipse and which runs throughall vertexes of the polygon. If an extrapolated circle or anextrapolated ellipse which runs through all vertexes of the polygoncannot be traced, the major axis and the minor axis respectivelycorrespond to a long axis and a short axis of an approximate circle oran approximate ellipse which runs through the largest number ofvertexes.

The bottom shape of each of the microchambers 11 is not particularlylimited, and various shapes other than a square, a circle, and a polygoncan be employed. In cell culture for reproducing a liver function invivo, the bottom area is preferably 0.01 mm² to 0.1 mm². In this case,the major axis of the bottom is preferably 1 to 1.5 times the minor axisthereof. An isotropic shape is more preferably used. If a square isemployed, for example, in the case of forming a mass of liver cellshaving an equivalent diameter of 100 μm, the length of one side thereofis preferably 100 μm to 300 μm.

An angle formed between the horizontal plane and the side walls 12 ofeach of the microchambers 11 should be set to an angle at which cellsare prevented from running on the microchambers. Accordingly, 50% ormore of an upper portion of a side surface preferably has an angle of80° to 90°, and more preferably, 85° to 90°.

The height “c” of each of the side walls 12 may be arbitrarily set aslog as the cells cultured in the microchambers 11 are prevented fromrunning on and moving to the adjacent microchamber 11. In the case offorming a mass of liver cells having an equivalent diameter of 100 μm,the height “c” is preferably 50 μm to 150 μm, for example.

The width “d” of each of the openings 13 for allowing communicationbetween the microchambers 11 adjacent to each other is preferably set toa width in which cells are prevented from moving from the microchamber11, in which the cultured cell is first seeded, to the adjacentmicrochamber 11. When the equivalent diameter of the cultured cell is 20μm, for example, the width is preferably 5 to 15 μm. Note that theopenings 13 are not necessarily formed. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, thefour sides of each of the microchambers 11 may be entirely surrounded bythe side walls 12. Here, FIG. 3 is a plane view showing anotherstructure of the cell culture chamber according to this embodiment, andFIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, the width “a” of the bottom surface of the microchamber 11,and the width “b” and the height “c” of the side wall 12 forpartitioning the microchambers 11 are shown. It is necessary to satisfy3 μm≦b≦15 μm and c/b≧2. If the width “b” of the side wall 12 is morethan 15 μm, a cell adheres to the top surface of the side wall, which isunsuited to culture. On the other hand, if the width “b” of the sidewall 12 is less than 3 μm, preparation is difficult. If the height ofthe side wall is too low, a cell goes over the side wall, which isunsuited to culture. If the height “c” of the side wall 12 is less thantwo times the width “b” of the side wall 12, a cell cultured in themicrochamber 11 goes over it and moves to the adjacent microchamber 11.Further, specifically, when human fetal liver cells are layered in asquare microchamber with one side of 100 μm, the height “c” of the sidewall 12 is preferably 15 μm to 300 μm, and more preferably 50 μm to 150μm. If the height “c” of the side wall is too high, preparation isdifficult and further the material is hard to diffuse, which degradesthe culture environment. The side wall 12 may have a multi-step shape.

The cell culture unit may have partitioned spots each made up of aplurality of microchambers required for one screening as shown in FIGS.5 and 6 in order to minimize the number of cells required. For example,in the case of using a microchamber in a square shape with one side of200 μm and a height of 50 μm which provides a high differentiationefficiency when the minimum number of cells required for screening isabout 1000, nine microchambers are required; therefore, by preparing aspot in which the space is partitioned into nine microchambers andproviding a plurality of spots, it is possible to performhigh-throughput screening that allows simultaneous examination of aplurality of reagents or pharmaceutical agents.

FIG. 5 is a plane view showing another structure of a cell culture unitaccording to the embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view alongline IV-IV in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows the side wall 24 that partitions aplurality of microchambers and a partitioned spot 23. The height “d” ofthe side wall 24 may be set so that the capacity can keep a supernatantfluid such as a culture solution or a reaction solution without drying,and it can be defined appropriately.

A method for forming the concave-convex pattern on the cell culturechamber is not particularly limited, but methods such as transfermolding using a mold, three-dimensional stereolithography, precisionmachining, wet etching, dry etching, laser processing, and electricaldischarge machining may be employed. It is preferable to appropriatelyselect these production methods in view of the intended use, requiredprocessing accuracy, costs, and the like of the cell culture chamber.

As a specific example of the transfer molding method using a mold, amethod for forming the concave-convex pattern by resin molding using ametal structure as a mold may be employed. This method is preferredbecause it is capable of reproducing the shape of the metal structure ona resin as the concave-convex pattern with a high transcription rate,and because the raw material cost can be reduced by using ageneral-purpose resin material. Such a method using a mold of a metalstructure is superior in terms of low cost and achieving satisfactorilyhigh dimensional accuracy.

As methods of producing the metal structure, for example, platingtreatment, precision machining, wet etching, dry etching, laserprocessing, and electrical discharge machining on a resist patternproduced by photolithography or a resin pattern produced bythree-dimensional stereolithography may be employed. The methods may beappropriately selected in view of the intended use, required processingaccuracy, costs, and the like.

As methods of forming the concave-convex pattern on a resin using themetal structure, which is obtained as described above, as a mold,injection molding, press molding, monomer casting, solvent casting, hotembossing, or roll transfer by extrusion molding may be employed, forexample. It is preferable to employ injection molding in view of itsproductivity and transcription property.

Materials for forming a cell culture chamber are not particularlylimited as long as the materials have self-supporting properties. Forexample, synthetic resin, silicon, or glass may be employed. Atransparent synthetic resin is preferably used as a material in view ofcosts and cell visibility under microscopical observation. Examples ofthe transparent synthetic resin include acrylic resins such aspolymethylmethacrylate or methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymer, styreneresin such as polystyrene, olefin resin such as cycloolefin, esterresins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid, siliconeresin such as polydimethylsiloxane, and polycarbonate resin. Theseresins may contain various additives such as colorant, dispersing agent,and thickening agent, unless the transparency is impaired.

In the cell culture chamber, surface treatment may be performed on thesurface side of the concave-convex pattern and a modified layer and/or acoating layer may be formed for the purpose of improving the hydrophilicproperties, biocompatibility, cellular affinity, and the like of thechamber surface. A method for forming the modified layer is notparticularly limited unless a method with which the self-supportingproperties are impaired and a method causing extreme surface roughnessof 100 μm or more are employed. Methods, for example, chemicaltreatment, solvent treatment, chemical treatment such as introduction ofa graft polymer by surface graft polymerization, physical treatment suchas corona discharge, ozone treatment, or plasma treatment may beemployed. In addition, though a method for forming the coating layer isnot particularly limited, methods, for example, dry coating such assputtering or vapor deposition and wet coating such as inorganicmaterial coating or polymer coating may be employed. In order to pour aculture solution without mixing air bubbles therein, it is desirable toimpart the hydrophilic properties to the surface of the concave-convexpattern. As a method for forming a uniform hydrophilic membrane,inorganic vapor deposition is preferably employed.

When the cellular affinity is taken into consideration, it is morepreferable to coat cytophilic proteins such as collagen and fibronectin.In order to uniformly coat a collagen aqueous solution or the like, itis preferable to perform the coating after the above-mentionedhydrophilic membrane is formed. In hepatocyte cultures, in general, itis desirable to culture cells on an extracellular matrix surface byreplicating the in vivo environment. Accordingly, it is particularlypreferable to dispose an organic film made of extracellular matrixsuitable for cultured cells after an inorganic hydrophilic membrane isuniformly formed as described above.

In a cell culture method using the cell culture chamber described above,an appropriate number of cells need to be seeded so that the cells arearranged exclusively within the microchambers for culturing cells andthat morphologies and functions similar to those of the living body aredeveloped within the space. A cell seeding density of 1.0×10² to 1.0×10⁶cells/cm² is preferably used and a cell seeding density of 1.0×10⁴ to1.0×10⁶ cells/cm² is more preferably used. When each microchamber is asquare which is 200 μm on a side, for example, a cell seeding density of5.0×10⁴ to 5.0×10⁵ cells/cm² is preferably used. Under such conditions,a mass of liver cells having a diameter of 30 to 200 μm can be obtained.

Subsequently, an exemplary structure of the cell culture kit accordingto this embodiment will be described referring to FIGS. 7 to 10. FIG. 7is a view showing an exemplary structure of the cell culture kit. A cellculture kit 30 includes a culture plate 32 with a flat shape. Theculture plate 32 includes a plurality of culture dishes 34. A cellculture chamber 31 is arranged in each of the culture dishes 34. Thenumber of the culture dishes 34 set in one culture plate 32 isdetermined depending on a method of screening, cell types to culture, orthe number of cells to be used for a test. The culture plate 32 includesat least one cell culture chamber 31. The cell culture chamber 31 mayhave any one of three types of structures shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, forexample. Other structures that satisfy the conditions of theconcave-convex pattern described above may also be used. The bottom ofthe culture dish 34 has a flat plate shape, and the bottom surface ofthe cell culture chamber 31 is used as a culture surface.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show exemplary states in which living cells are culturedin a plurality of microchambers and differences among donors of seededcells. In FIGS. 8 to 10, each rectangle represents the microchamber 33.FIGS. 8 and 9 show a case where the cell culture chamber 31 includesnine microchambers 33. FIG. 10 shows a case where the cell culturechamber 31 includes eighteen microchambers 33. Further, references D1 toD3 represent cultured cells, and various patterns are used to showdifferences among donors of D1, D2, and D3.

FIG. 8 shows a case where cells derived from one donor are adhered toeach of the microchambers 33, and the donor of the cells in the onemicrochamber 33 is different from that of cells in adjacentmicrochambers 33. FIG. 9 shows a case where a mixture of living cellsderived from various donors is adhered in some parts, and living cellsderived from a single donor are adhered in other parts. This case showsan example where living cells derived from two donors are adhered to onemicrochamber 33. FIG. 10 shows a case where the plurality ofmicrochambers 33 are divided into two divisions, and living cells of afirst type donor are adhered to one division and living cells of asecond type donor are adhered to the other division. Note that theplurality of microchambers 33 may be divided into three or moredivisions. It is possible to confirm differences in testing resultbetween various donors by adhering cells of a desired donor to eachdivision.

Though, FIGS. 8 to 10 show exemplary arrangements of the living cellsderived from various donors, the arrangement is not limited thereto.Other arrangements may also be employed as long as the living cellsderived from various donors are adhered to and cultured in the pluralityof microchambers 33 included in the cell culture kit 30. In particular,a plurality of living cells derived from various donors may be adheredto each of the microchambers 33. The number of types of donors of livingcells to be adhered to one microchamber 33 may be three or more.Further, living cells derived from a single donor may be adhered to eachof the microchambers 33, and the entire cell culture kit (or a singlecell culture chamber 31) may contain living cells of a plurality ofdonors. More alternatively, living cells derived from a single donor areadhered to each one of the cell culture chambers 31, and living cellsderived from various donors may be adhered to the plurality of cellculture chambers 31 as a whole. In other words, it is sufficient thatliving cells derived from various donors are adhered to the cell culturekit 30.

The living cells derived from various donors are cultured in the stateof being adhered to the surface of each of the microchambers 33 of thecell culture kit 30. In the microchambers, the living cells areaccumulated to form a cell mass. The cell mass is cultured up to adesired size. For example, the diameter of a cell mass to be cultured is30 to 200 μm. The size of the microchamber is also determined dependingon the size of the cell mass.

Parenchymal cells derived from various donors are used as the livingcells to be cultured in the microchambers. The parenchymal cells to beused are tissue precursor cells, tissue stem cells, cells differentiatedfrom ES cells, parenchymal cells differentiated from iPS cells (inducedpluripotent stem cells), or parenchymal cells derived from a livingbody.

When various types of cell species are used, one type of parenchymalcells and other cell species are mixed and cultured. In this case, asfor the derivation of cell species, parenchymal cells of various donorsand other cell species derived from one donor, or parenchymal cellsderived from one donor and other cell species derived from a donordifferent from the donor of the parenchymal cells may be used. As othercell species to be used, one or more cell species are selected fromhepatic stellate cells, vascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts, andmesenchymal cells. Parenchymal cells, hepatic stellate cells, vascularendothelial cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal cells to be used aretissue precursor cells, tissue stem cells, cells differentiated from EScells, cells differentiated from iPS cells (induced pluripotent stemcells), or cells derived from a living body.

A culture medium to be used is a medium containing nutrient components,such as a nutrient factor, a blood serum, or a secretion solution fromcells. In the case of the secretion solution from cells, it is alsopossible to use a method of setting a chamber where cells are culturedon a membrane such as a cell culture insert.

As described above, according to an aspect of the embodiment of thepresent invention, it is possible to provide a cell culture kit whereliving cells of various donors are adhered and cultured within a singlechamber (within the cell culture kit). The cell culture kit includes aplurality of microchambers. As described above, the plurality ofmicrochambers have a structure which allows the in vivo functions of theliving cells to be maintained for a long term. Therefore, it is possibleto provide living cells having in vivo-like cell functions.Additionally, it is possible to obtain testing results of various donorson a single chip. This makes it possible to efficiently carry out testsusing cells derived from various donors over a long period of time.

EXAMPLES Results of Culturing Various Types of Cells Derived fromVarious Donors (Such as Parenchymal Liver Cells and Non-ParenchymalLiver Cells) in a Plate Including Micro Spaces 1. Cell Preparation 1-1.Culture of Liver Cells (Cell Growth)

Transformed cells (hereinafter referred to as “transformed livercells”), which were obtained by introducing a BMI1 gene into humanhepatic stem cells (Accession Number FERM BP-11108, National Instituteof Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, International PatentOrganism Depositary), were seeded to a type-IV collagen coated dish(manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company) and cultured.

As a culture medium, a DMEM and nutrient mixture F-12 Ham medium(DMEM/F12 1:1 mixture) mixed with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), humanγ-insulin (1.0 μg/ml), nicotinamide (10 mmol/l), dexamethasone (1×10⁻⁷mol/l), and L-glutamine (2 mmol/l) was used. Culture was carried out inan incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂, and the culture medium was changedevery five days.

1-2. Culture of Vascular Endothelial Cells (Cell Growth)

Human vascular endothelial cell lines derived from a donor differentfrom the donor of the transformed liver cells were seeded a non-coateddish for cell culture (manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company)and cultured.

As a culture medium, a DMEM and nutrient mixture F-12 Ham medium(DMEM/F12 1:1 mixture) mixed with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), humanγ-insulin (1.0 μg/ml), nicotinamide (10 mmol/l), dexamethasone (1×10⁻⁷mol/l), and L-glutamine (2 mmol/l) was used. Culture was carried out inan incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂, and the culture medium was changedevery five days.

1-3. Preparation of Cell Suspension

Each of the cells, which were cultured as described in the items 1-1 and1-2, was detached using a 0.25% trypsin solution and collected, and wasthen dispersed into a culture medium.

As the culture medium, a DMEM and nutrient mixture F-12 Ham medium(DMEM/F12 1:1 mixture) mixed with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), humanγ-insulin (1.0 μg/ml), nicotinamide (10 mmol/l), dexamethasone (1×10⁻⁷mol/l), and L-glutamine (2 mmol/l) was used. Each of the cells wasstained with trypan blue to count the number of living cells.

2. Culture Test (Example, Comparative Example) 2-1 <Example 01>

The transformed liver cells and vascular endothelial cells, which wereobtained as described in the item 1-3, were mixed at a mixing ratio of1:3, and were seeded in a culture chamber at a cell density of 3.75×10⁴cells/cm². A 24-well type culture chamber which has the concave-convexpattern as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and which includes micro spaces havingdimensions of a=100 μm and c=50 μm was used as the culture chamber.

2-2 <Comparative Example 01>

The transformed liver cells, which were obtained as described in theitem 1-3, were seeded in a culture chamber at a cell density of 3.75×10⁴cells/cm². A 24-well type culture chamber which has the concave-convexpattern as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and which includes micro spaces havingdimensions of a=100 μm and c=50 μm was used as the culture chamber.

2-3 <Comparative Example 02>

The transformed liver cells, which were obtained as described in theitem 1-3, were seeded in a 24-well cell culture plate (manufactured byBecton, Dickinson and Company) at a cell density of 3.75×10⁴ cells/cm².

2-4 Culturing Method

After the cells were seeded as described in the items 2-1 and 2-2, thecells were cultured in an incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂. Afterculturing for 24 hours, the culture medium was changed once a day oronce every two days. As the culture medium, there was used a mediumwhich was obtained adding a human recombinant HGF (50 ng/ml) and anepidermal growth factor (EGF) (10 ng/ml) to a DMEM and nutrient mixtureF-12 Ham medium (DMEM/F12 1:1 mixture) mixed with 10% fetal bovine serum(FBS), human γ-insulin (1.0 μg/ml), nicotinamide (10 mmol/l),dexamethasone (1×10⁻⁷ mol/l), and L-glutamine (2 mmol/l).

3. Gene Expression Analyses

Gene expressions of a cytochrome P450 (CYP), which is typicaldrug-metabolizing enzymes of a liver, and albumin were evaluated bycarrying out real-time polymerase chain reaction after RNAs werecollected from cells cultured for a given number of days to synthesizecDNAs.

4. Experimental Results (Results of Gene Expression Analyses)

Table 1 shows gene expression levels of albumin, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 inExample 01 and Comparative Examples 01 and 02 after culturing for 21days. In the table, relative values are shown as the gene expressionlevels assuming that the value of Example 02 is 1. In addition, theCYP3A4 and the CYP2C9 are examples of metabolic enzymes existing in theliver and each represent a molecular species name of a cytochrome P450enzyme. CYPs play an important role of protecting living bodies fromheterogeneities or foreign materials including various chemical agents(including drugs), environmental pollutants, and organic solvents.

Example 01 shows a significantly higher expression level thanComparative Examples 01 and 02 in any of the albumin, CYP3A3, andCYP2C9.

The experimental conditions, such as the number of cells and the mixingratio, except for the case where different two types of cells are mixedand cultured, are not limited to the above-described conditions. Surfacecoating is not limited to the above, as long as cells can be adhered.

TABLE 1 Albumin CYP3A4 CYP2C9 Example 01 105.1 458.0 51.8 Comparative80.9 183.2 41.4 Example 01 Comparative 1 1 1 Example 02<Results of Culture of Liver Cells Derived from Various Donors in aPlate Including Mirco Spaces>

1. Cell Seeding

In an example, human fetal liver cells obtained from six donor liverswere used. Specifically, there were used the human fetal liver cellsderived from six donors, which include three types of cells: hepaticstem cells, liver precursor cells, and adult liver cells. In acomparative example, human fetal liver cells obtained from a singledonor. In both the example and the comparative example, the cells wereseeded in 24-well type culture chambers coated with a type-IV collagenand including micro spaces having dimensions of a=100 μm and c=50 μm asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4 at a cell density of 3.75×10⁴ cells/cm².

2. Culture

Culture was carried out in an incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂. Afterculturing for 24 hours, the culture medium was changed once a day oronce every two days. As the culture medium, there was used a mediumwhich was obtained adding a human recombinant HGF (50 ng/ml) and anepidermal growth factor (EGF) (10 ng/ml) to a DMEM and nutrient mixtureF-12 Ham medium (DMEM/F12 1:1 mixture) mixed with 10% fetal bovine serum(FBS), human γ-insulin (1.0 μg/ml), nicotinamide (10 mmol/l),dexamethasone (1×10⁻⁷ mol/l), and L-glutamine (2 mmol/l).

3. Analyses 3-1. Morphology Observation

Observations were carried out using an inverted microscope on the 1st,4th, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 35th day of culture. 3-2. Gene expressions ofa cytochrome P450 (CYP) and albumin, and protein expression of CYP3A4

Gene expressions of a cytochrome P450 (CYP) which is typicaldrug-metabolizing enzymes of a liver and albumin were evaluated bycarrying out real-time polymerase chain reaction after RNAs werecollected from cells cultured for a given number of days to synthesizecDNAs. Protein expression was analyzed using an immunostainingprocedure.

3-3. Glycogen Storage Capability

Differentiation capability (glycogen storage capability) in human fetalliver cells was measured by PAS staining.

4. Results 4-1. Results of Morphology Observation

Cells were adhered to the bottom surfaces of films at first, and wasthen gradually extended to other micro spaces (micro cavity) with thelapse of culture time and formed cell aggregates in the micro spaces.The morphology was similar to that of the comparative example describedbelow. Accordingly, it turns out that cells of various donors can forman aggregate in the same manner as cells of one donor. FIGS. 11A to 11Fare photographs showing results of morphology observations of theexample. FIG. 12 is a photograph showing a result of morphologyobservation on the 14th day of culture of the comparative example;

4-2. Results of Gene Expressions of the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) and theAlbumin, and the Protein Expression of CYP3A4

Primary drug-metabolizing enzymes CYP3A4, 2C19, 2C9, 1A2, and 2D6, andalbumin secretory capability were measured. In the results, these CYPgenes were expressed on the 7th day of culture, and the albumin andthese CYP genes were expressed on the 21st day of culture. Even with thelapse of time, these functions were maintained. FIG. 13 is a photographshowing the measurement results. FIG. 13 shows the result obtained onthe 7th day of culture on the left side, the result obtained on the 21stday of culture in the center, and the result obtained on the 35th day ofculture on the right side.

In the immunostaining procedure, expressions of CYP3A4 (red) wereconfirmed in almost all the micro spaces (FIG. 14). This stained imagewas similar to that of CYP3A4 of the comparative example described below(FIG. 15). Accordingly, it turns out that it is possible to culturecells of various donors while maintaining liver functions, in the samemanner as cells of one donor.

4-3. Results of Glycogen Storage Capability

The differentiation capability (glycogen storage capability) in humanfetal liver cells was studied. In the results, the glycogen storagecapability was confirmed in the human fetal liver cells. Further, morethan half of these cells were strongly PAS-positive on the 21st day ofculture.

The results of 4-1 to 4-3 show that it is possible to culture livercells of various donors while maintaining liver functions in a statewhere liver cells of various donors are adhered to micro spaces.

Note that the present invention is not limited to above-describedembodiments. The elements of the embodiments can be modified, added, orconverted to the contents that can be easily thought of by those skilledin the art within the scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10, 20 CELL CULTURE CHAMBER-   11 MICROCHAMBER-   12 SIDE WALL-   13 OPENING-   23 SPOT-   24 SIDE WALL OF SPOT-   30 CELL CULTURE KIT-   31 CELL CULTURE CHAMBER-   32 CULTURE PLATE-   33 MICROCHAMBER-   34 CULTURE DISH-   D1, D2, D3 CELL

1. A cell culture kit, comprising: a cell culture plate; and livingcells cultured on the culture plate; wherein the culture plate comprisesa plurality of micro spaces, and living cells derived from variousdonors are adhered to surfaces of the plurality of micro spaces.
 2. Thekit of claim 1, wherein the living cells derived from various donorscomprise two or more types of cells.
 3. The kit of claim 1, wherein atleast one selected from the group consisting of the living cells derivedfrom various donors and living cells derived from a single donor, areadhered to each of the plurality of micro spaces.
 4. The kit of claim 1,wherein the living cells derived from various donors are adhered to atleast two adjacent micro spaces.
 5. The kit of claim 1, wherein livingcells derived from a single donor are adhered to at least two adjacentmicro spaces.
 6. The kit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of microspaces have dimensions to allow a cell population of a three-dimensionalstructure to be isolated, wherein the cell population is obtained byculturing of a desired number of cells.
 7. The kit of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of micro spaces have a bottom area of 0.01 to 0.1 mm² anda depth of 25 to 150 μm.
 8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the living cellsare seeded in the plurality of micro spaces at a cell seeding density of1×10² to 1×10⁶ cells/cm².
 9. The kit of claim 1, wherein a cell masscomprising the living cells accumulated therein is formed in each of theplurality of micro spaces.
 10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the cell masshas a diameter of 30 to 200 μm.
 11. The kit of claim 1, wherein theliving cells are at least one selected from the group consisting of atissue precursor cell, a tissue stem cell, a cell differentiated from anES cell, and a cell differentiated from an iPS cell.
 12. The kit ofclaim 1, wherein the living cells comprise liver cells.
 13. The kit ofclaim 12, wherein the liver cells are at least one selected from thegroup consisting of a tissue precursor cell, a tissue stem cell, a celldifferentiated from an ES cell, and a cell differentiated from an iPScell.
 14. The kit of claim 12, wherein the living cells comprising theliver cells are isolated from hepatic tissues of various donors.
 15. Ascreening method for evaluating at least one drug with the cell culturekit of claim 1, the method comprising contacting the at least one drugwith the living cells.
 16. A method of manufacturing a cell culture kitcomprising a culture plate comprising a plurality of micro spaces andliving cells cultured thereon, comprising: seeding living cells derivedfrom various donors in the plurality of micro spaces; and culturing theseeded living cells.
 17. The kit of claim 1, wherein one member selectedfrom the group consisting of the living cells derived from variousdonors and living cells derived from a single donor, is adhered to eachof the plurality of micro spaces.
 18. The kit of claim 1, wherein theliving cells are one member selected from the group consisting of atissue precursor cell, a tissue stem cell, a cell differentiated from anES cell, and a cell differentiated from an iPS cell.
 19. The kit ofclaim 12, wherein the liver cells are one member selected from the groupconsisting of a tissue precursor cell, a tissue stem cell, a celldifferentiated from an ES cell, and a cell differentiated from an iPScell.
 20. The kit of claim 2, wherein at least one selected from thegroup consisting of the living cells derived from various donors andliving cells derived from a single donor, are adhered to each of theplurality of micro spaces.